**Residing in London: A Student’s Insight on Housing and Urban Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it may seem short, it has been sufficient for me to grasp some important insights about living in this dynamic city. London showcases an array of accommodation types and a variety of communities. For students, there’s an abundance of housing options, spanning from student halls to private leases. Choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can readily arrange in-person visits, while international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and gauge the distance to public transport.
When I started my quest for accommodation, I was eager to find a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social venues, and, most importantly, Imperial College’s campus was a priority for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts a comprehensive public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel between zones. Nonetheless, I intended to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently opted to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. That said, using an Oyster card considerably cuts commuting costs for students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, connecting with areas outside Central London. The fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. I chose intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that might be harder to find in private accommodations.
A top priority for me was being near grocery stores. Common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies can save a lot of time, particularly during hectic times like exams.
Deciding on the right neighborhood to reside in can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring various Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in London’s West End, buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the many lively community neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to live in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you are on the hunt for a new residence or simply exploring the city, embrace the diversity in London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city provides.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorised under [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)
Tagged [accommodation](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/accommodation/), [Housing](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/housing/), [London Life](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/london-life/), [master’s](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/masters/)